Monster's vs Aliens

Welcome to another episode of The "D" List.

Hey everybody......I'm back. After a couple months hiatus (hiatus meaning writing a script for a short film) I have returned to the wonderful world of movie reviews.

Today's film is Monster's vs Aliens written by Maya Forbes, Wallace Wolodarsky, Rob Letterman Jonathan Aibel    and Glenn Berger. Directed by Rob Letterman and Conrad Vernon.

I know this review is very late since this film has been out for a couple of weeks now but if it's still out there then here you go.

I am a sucker for CG animated films and here's why. In most live action films today, the powers that be try their best to hide any deficiencies with the script or directing with flashy effects or slick editing. And in most cases those attempts fail to mask the truth that their movie is poo poo. Partly because the cost of said effects or post production work will skyrocket the already bloated budget which then forces the suits to put a chastity belt on their wallets. That's not the case with CG films. With these kinds of movies the possibilities are literally endless. Which means that the script for these films has to be razor sharp. And the directing has to be on point.

Don't believe me? Then ask yourself why Pixar has become the industry standard when it comes to CG animation?  And why hasn't anyone been able to really challenge their stronghold on this entertaining genre? There have been some contenders but all told Pixar is a CG juggernaut  because they employ some of the most talented animators, programmers and WRITERS!!!!!! It's here where  Monster's vs Aliens just misses the mark.

The film takes place in a world where monsters exist. They have been captured and placed in an Area 51 type facility run by the government. Our story follows the origin on the newest "monster" Ginormica A.K.A Susan Murphy voiced by Reese Witherspoon. On her wedding day a meteor crashes down to earth and lands on top of her. The side effect of the accident results in Susan growing to massive height. When the government gets wind of the event they capture her and send her to the facility to live with the other monsters which are.

Dr. Cockroach voiced by Hugh Laurie - A brilliant scientist who after an experiment gone wrong turns him into a half man half cockroach.

The Missing Link voiced by Will Arnett - A hybrid between the creature from the black lagoon and the missing link.

B.O.B voiced by Seth Rogen - A blob like creature that was created after a food additive put in jello brought him to live.

Insectosaurs voiced by No One - She's a giant moth. Kind of a homage to Mothra from the Godzilla universe.

The film progresses as Susan tries to cope with the fact that her life as she knew it is over while trying to get to know her new "roommates" when Earth is visited by an alien species. It turns out the the alien villains came to earth in search of the meteor that hit Susan making her big. The energy that it emits provides the alien race with the power to destroy planets. Conventional weapons don't affect the aliens so that's when the monsters are sent into action.

Overall Monster's vs Aliens was an entertaining film with several laughs. The issues I had with it were minor. For example, there were references or homages to genre films like The Fly and Close Encounters of The Third Kind that unless you were alive when these film were out or had previously seen them, the jokes are wasted on you because you won't get the meaning behind them. I also felt that the villain alien Gallaxhar's story was underdeveloped. When you get to why he's doing what he's doing it feels rushed and an afterthought.

The Monster's all have funny qualities to them which made the film funny and definitely franchise-able. I know that's not a real word for all you english majors. You get my drift. The kids should have a blast with it. Especially with BOB. He's so stupid on a Homer Simpson level which should make his character the most popular.

On the 5 star scale Monster's vs Aliens gets 3 stars with a "Go See It" recommendation. That is of course if it's still around. If not then "Netflix It" for sure.

That's it for today.

My next film will be Observe and Report. The latest and disappointingly not so greatest comedy from Seth Rogen and his comedic family tree.

Until Next Episode.....I'll Save You a Seat.

"D"